Target Studio Gallery

Upshot of an illustration of a gnarled tree trunk. Open Studio: Tree Seasons

Thu, May 1 - Sun, Jun 1 2025

Trees have long been a powerful symbol in art, representing life, strength, growth, and the cyclical nature of existence. From ancient spiritual connections to modern environmental concerns, artists have depicted trees as living metaphors for human experiences. Whether through the lush landscapes of Romanticism, the symbolism in religious iconography, or contemporary environmental art, trees continue to reflect our relationship with the natural world. In their many forms, they offer a visual language for themes of connection, resilience, and transformation.

Bright purple phlox against evergreen tree branches Open Studio: Visual Verses

Wed, Apr 2 - Wed, Apr 30 2025

Bright yellow clown illustration against purple background. Clown is walking on a tightrope. Open Studio: Laugh Lines | Creating Art with Humor, with Kameron White

Sat, Mar 1 - Sun, Mar 30 2025

Humor has long been a powerful tool for

Dark background with clear glass vase filled with soft white and yellow flowers. Open Studio: Flower Stories

Fri, Feb 7 - Fri, Feb 28 2025

Inspired by artists Ronald “Bino

Collage of paper and cardboard cut-outs, to make an abstract composite Open Studio: Collective Visions

Wed, Jan 22 - Thu, Feb 6 2025

Vision boards connect deeply with art history through their use of symbolism, collage, and collective expression, drawing inspiration from the Dada and Surrealist movements’ focus on juxtaposition and assemblage to reflect dreams and aspirations. They echo the narrative power of muralists like Diego Rivera and embrace the participatory spirit of contemporary artists like Yoko Ono, blending personal imagery with collective storytelling to envision and inspire change.

Art Rental gallery with sofa Art Rental Gallery

Wed, Aug 28 - Fri, Dec 27 2024

Art is not just an accessory to your living space—it’s an elevation of your life’s canvas. WAM's Art Rental Collection contains original, one-of-a-kind artworks, available for rent for the University of Minnesota campus community. Choose from a diverse range of art, spanning from mid-twentieth century to contemporary creations by local artists. 

Smoky black clouds fill the sky above a bright expanse of green grass and a low range of evergreen trees in the far background. Open Studio: Weather Patterns

Wed, May 1 - Fri, May 31 2024

The theme for May's art-making activity is inspired by April Gornik's moody landscape, Cloud Bringing Night. Artists have long been inspired by various weather patterns, representing them in monumental landscape paintings, or using depictions of weather and the sky to create mood. They use their artistic skills to capture the beauty, atmosphere, and sometimes unpredictable weather in their works. Weather patterns in art encompass a wide range of artistic styles and techniques.

An image of Morrison's "Wood Collage: Landscape," which includes pieces of driftwood of various colors, sizes, and shapes placed together into a single frame. Open Studio: Nature / Made

Mon, Apr 1 - Sun, Apr 28 2024

April's theme is inspired by the art of Ojibwe artist George Morrison and University of Minnesota Assistant Professor of Ceramics Chostani Elaine Dean. Artists often use nature-made objects in their work to connect with the natural world, explore environmental themes, or incorporate organic elements into their artistic expression. Nature-made objects can include everything from found materials like rocks, shells, and branches to organic substances like mud, leaves, and feathers.

Open Studio: Expressions

Fri, Mar 1 - Sun, Mar 31 2024

The theme for March's Open Studio is inspired by the exhibition The Experience of Expression curated by Grace Tank, the 2021-22 Lisa and Jerry O’Brien Curatorial Fellow, and on view until July 24, 2024.

A Black male looks solemnly off camera while dispensing water from a silver carafe (black and white image). Conversation: Dr. Megan Finch on "James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket"

Wed, Feb 28 2024

Drop into the Target Studio for a conversation on the documentary James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket. Directed by Karen Thorsen in 1989, this documentary offers a look into the life and mind of James Baldwin, exploring his perspectives on race, sexuality, and the American experience.